Starting Up and Running Your Ambition Engine”

By way of definition, an Ambition Engine is the resource that drives us in our lives to accomplish goals. It could be as simple as getting up to prepare dinner or wash the dishes after a meal. It could be as complex as winning a medal in a competitive sporting event.

People who we recognize as being "driven" typically have very powerful ambition engines. Examples are politicians, successful actors, persistent (and somewhat annoying) sales people. Perhaps you know someone who has an Ambition Engine that seems to run 24-hours a day.

If you are in school, your Ambition Engine helps you to reach the goal of graduating. If you are working and want to get ahead, it is the thing that drives you to be recognized for your efforts and get promoted.

When you were a kid, it was your mother who got you up, fed and out every school day. Today, your Ambition Engine keeps you from lying in bed all day. If you are currently unemployed, your Ambition Engine is the energy resource you will need to utilize to once again be employed. It keeps you from sitting on the couch and watching TV when you could be working on your resume, making networking calls or doing things that will improve your chances to be employed. When you are out of work, seeking employment, it is important to have a highly tuned, well-performing Ambition Engine.

The care you take of your Ambition Engine will keep it working reliably throughout your job search. This means: Maintaining a constant speed and steady RPMs. Don't rev it too fast (and overheat or wear out your engine) and don't let your engine sit idle for days at a time (which makes it harder to start).

Keep in mind that while the Ambition Engine empowers you, it does not steer your job search. You are the driver and you control the throttle: You chose the actions that are important to your search. The Ambition Engine earns its keep by keeping you going as you climb up each step on your job search ladder. Use your engine and time wisely.

Plan and execute: Make a plan for the tasks you will do on the rung you are on and stick to it each day. If it helps, make a checklist and check off the task when it has been completed. Take charge of how and when you choose to run your Ambition Engine. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back when you accomplish action items on each rung of your ladder. Feel good when you reach the next rung.

Ensuring Top Engine performance - Your Ambition Engine (just like a real engine) can accumulate "sludge." You will want to be free of sludge so that you can get maximum performance. One way to remove the build up of harmful sludge from your ambition engine is to say to yourself each day, "I feel good about who I am and I will not be slowed down by negative thoughts. My next job is out there and I will not stop until I find it and am again employed." It is important to avoid the following:

• Don't let worry or doubt clog your engine and keep you from working up the ladder toward your goal. Don't allow panic about your jobless situation " freeze" you from taking prudent and appropriate actions.
• Don't let the opinions of others discourage you and allow your engine to slow down. Focus on where you are on the ladder each day and continue to steadily make your climb.
• Don't look above the next rung on your ladder. You will get there eventually.
• Don't look down from the rung you are on your ladder. You need to focus on climbing.
• Don't let bad news about the economy and the jobless numbers on TV slow your engine. When bad news about the job market comes on the evening news, either turn off the TV or leave the room.

Ready to take the next step? Go for it! Step up to Rung 2

 

 

 

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